Man Indicted in Poaching Deaths of Bald Eagles, Vultures

The poaching charges could result in heavy fines and possible jail time.

A Texas man is facing charges of killing bald eagles and other non-game birds, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The agency reported in a news release that Jackie Brister, 82, of Bend, Texas, has been indicted by a Lampasas County grand jury on two counts of killing bald eagles, a protected non-game animal, as well as on charges of capturing and killing other birds, including black vultures and turkey vultures.

poaching

His alleged crimes are punishable by fines into the thousands of dollars and possible jail time.

The charges stem from a Texas Game Wardens investigation after a wounded eagle was found near Bend on Jan. 11. The bird did not survive.

"Working in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wardens determined the eagle had been shot by a rifle," TPWD said in the news release. "Further investigation uncovered evidence of additional taking of protected non-game animals.

"With help from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Criminal Investigations Division and the Lampasas County Sheriff's Office, cases were made and filed with the Lampasas County District Attorney's Office."

In addition to citations for the taking of a state-threatened species and non-game birds — Class C misdemeanors punishable by fines of $25-$500 for each case — Brister also faces a Class A misdemeanor violation for hunting without landowner consent.

That charge carries a possible fine of $500-$4,000 and/or up to a one year state jail term.

Brister could also face civil restitution for the eagles in an amount to be determined exceeding $10,000 each.

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